Tip of the Week: Revealing Results From New Horse Industry Survey

The latest newsletter from equestrianprofessional.comFrom October 15, 2009 through January 31, 2010 American Horse Publications conducted an equine industry survey. The survey was sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and Pfizer Health. A total of 11,171 people who own, lease or manage horses in the United States participated. The purpose of the survey was threefold - First to obtain information about participation, second to identify issues facing the equine industry as a whole and finally to identify issues pertaining to horse health. Here are a few highlights we thought would be interesting to horse professionals around the globe and some details for those of you here in the states. Survey Highlights

88.8% of the respondents were female

63.2 % of the respondents were 45 or older

The average number of household members involved with horses was 1.8

The average number of horses owned was 5

Nearly 60% ride for pleasure and just over 35% ride competitively

On average respondents expected to participate in 5.26 competitions per year

17.4% of the respondents indicated they were horse trainers

8.8% operated a boarding stable

14.1% indicated they were riding instructors

17.4% indicated they were breeders

73.8% of respondents said they are spending more money per horse now than in 2007

70% indicate they will reduce expenditures in other areas of their lives to cope with increased horse keeping costs